Strategic Planning Officer (APRM) at the African Union (AU)

The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999). We are an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Strategic Planning Officer (APRM)

Requisition ID: 1643
Location: Midrand, South Africa
Job Grade: P2
Division: CEO’s Office
Contract Type: Regular
Organization: African Union
Reports to: Principal Strategic Planning Officer
Directorate/Department/Organ: African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM)

Purpose of Job

• To provide technical leadership in monitoring and reporting on implementation of the APRM Strategic Plan and its annual work plans.

Main Functions

• Develops and monitors Annual Work Plans as well as Quarterly, Mid-Year and annual Implementation Reports
• Produces Work Plans on specific APRM projects in the Africa Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Tool (AMERT) or other planning tools such as SAP for approval by the Principal Strategic Planning Officer;
• Reports on monitoring and reporting on specific APRM projects in the Africa Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Tool (AMERT) or other planning tools including SAP;
• Produces Mid-term reports on implementation of APRM programmes;
• Produces annual reports on implementation of APRM programmes; and
• Assists the Principal Strategic Planning Officer with producing Cascading Three Year Work Plans for approval by APRM management, and APRM & AU policy organs.

Specific Responsibilities
Project Coordination:

• Provides updates to the Principal Strategic Planning Officer regarding matters that require his/her personal attention and assist in formulating options for action and ensure follow-up;
• Drafts and reviews substantive correspondence for strategic meetings (forum and exco), as well as draft and clear briefing notes and talking points;
• Supports the development of an integrated results framework on the Logical frame (AMERT) system or other planning tool in conjunction with results-based management/results-based budgeting (Budget Officer)/ PBFA systems;
• Conceptualises and develops performance management tools to support the APRM Secretariat to meet its objectives;
• Supports the strategic planning process of the APRM Continental Secretariat's work in member states regarding projects and actions planned through the year.
• Develops, implements and evaluates assigned programmes/projects;
• Undertakes consultations, in collaboration with other APRM, AU or partnership colleagues, by planning and facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing tools for strategic planning;
• Coordinates and conduct policy research and analysis and prepare analytical briefs in support of APRM strategic priorities and work plans;
• Researches, analyses and presents information gathered from diverse sources;
• Contributes to the APRM's quality assurance and results reporting role;
• Keeps abreast of latest emerging trends and innovative approaches in strategic planning;
• Generates survey initiatives; design data collection tools; review, analyse and interpret responses, identify problems/issues and prepare conclusions; and
• Organises workshops and seminars with the participation of focal points, and strategic as well as external partners on emerging trends in governance in Africa.

Operational Support:

• Administers and maintains the strategic planning’s departmental monitoring and evaluation calendar of events and meetings;
• Maintains records of related spend;
• Ensures documentation is recorded and filed in accordance with QMS requirements;
• Consolidate data into relevant templates and formats and undertake comparative analysis;
• Validates data submissions through interviews and desktop research;
• In support of the Principal Strategic Planning Officer, minute meetings, ensuring that updates are provided as and when required; and
• Maintains a record of queries and action items to be addressed by the Principal Strategic Planning Officer.

Liaison and Reporting:

• Administers stakeholder contact information for use in communication processes;
• Ensures copies of legislation, regulations and publications pertinent to strategic planning are researched and provided to the Principal Strategic Planning Officer;
• Assists the Principal Strategic Planning Officer with stakeholder’s query management and follow-up with managers regarding their submissions; and
• Assists the Principal Strategic Planning Officer with stakeholder complaints and ensures they are followed up on by the relevant component

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

•  A Bachelor's Degree in Business Management, Public Administration, Strategic Planning Management or related field with a minimum of  five (5) years' experience  in strategic planning or related area preferably within a major government, international organisation, public or private sector organisation

Or

• A Master's Degree in Business Management, Public Administration, Strategic Planning Managment or related field with a minimum of  two (2) years' experience  in strategic planning or related area preferably within a major government, international organisation, public or private sector organisation

Required Skills:

• Analytical and reporting skills
• Ability to communicate well and work in a team
• Able to independently work in a fast-paced environment
• Flexible and able to multi-task and prioritise
• Planning and organization skills
• Innovative skills

Leadership Competencies:

• Change Management
• Managing Risk

Core Competencies:

• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Accountability awareness and Compliance
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Influence

Functional Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Job Knowledge and information sharing
• Drive for Result
• Continuous Improvement Focus

Tenure of Appointment

• The appointment will be made on a regular term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months shall be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.

Gender Mainstreaming:

• The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Languages:

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage

Remuneration
Indicative basic salary of US$ 31,073.00 (P2 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (57% of basic salary), a Housing allowance of US$ 21,832.68 (per annum), and education allowance (100% of tuition and other education-related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$ 10,000.00 per child per annum), for internationally recruited staff and a maximum of $3,300 per child per annum for locally recruited staff.

Application Closing Date
15th March, 2023.